Issue 24

In Issue 24 of Tudor Places, we examine the rise of the Tudor Townhouse, a sophisticated fusion of English tradition and Continental innovation that transformed domestic architecture in cities and towns. We look, too, at Plas Mawr, in Conwy, a remarkable example of a late Elizabethan townhouse that survives today as one of the finest restored houses of its kind. We learn about the medieval Round Table in Winchester Castle and how the early Tudor monarchs exploited Winchester’s supposed Arthurian associations to strengthen their claim to the English throne and enhance their prestige on the international stage. We consider Queen Jane Seymour’s role, during her brief queenship, as one of England’s largest landowners, using major new research recently published by Dr Elizabeth Norton. I also spoke with Elizabeth about her research on Jane Seymour, her education in archaeology, anthropology and history, and her work as a historian, author, broadcaster and historical consultant. Sarah Morris, The Tudor Travel Guide, takes us on a tour of the Tudor north-east, exploring magnificent cathedrals, formidable castles and the imposing strongholds of the Prince-Bishops and the Neville and Percy families. In Living at Old Hall, Brigitte Webster shares the unexpected rewards she finds, in the form of artifacts, coins, remnants or shards of glass and stoneware, when she goes “weeding for treasure”, and, in Last Place, Steven Veerapen reflects on some of his favourite Tudor locations.